Report: Walsh promised $3.5M to switch

The Daily Herald reports a promise of heavyweight fundraising from the speaker for Walsh's move back into his considerably more Democratic 8th Congressional District.

Walsh — lured by the thought of an easier primary and the promise, according to top Illinois GOP officials who requested anonymity and influential Barrington Republican Jack Roeser, of $3.5 million in general election fundraising help from House Speaker John Boehner — will now make a bid in the recently drawn 8th District, roughly centered in Schaumburg and including Addison, Elk Grove, Hanover and Wheeling townships.

At the conclusion of the third quarter, Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi had $635,996 on hand and his primary opponent Tammy Duckworth had $364,295.

“Congressman Walsh gives Republicans the best opportunity to win the 8th District, and we’re excited about his candidacy. We anticipate he will enroll in the NRCC’s Patriot Program, which is based on need plus merit," he said.

UPDATED @ 4:36 PM: A spokesman for Speaker Boehner called the report "not true." "The Speaker has not pledged financial support to Congressman Walsh," said Boehner spokesman Cory Fritz.